Google released an experimental tool that tracks the intensity and movement of influenza virus across United States by comparing the usage search keywords related to flu. The tool, known as Google Flu Trends, makes use of the fact that, before they go to the doctor's office, many people will search for information about what ails them. Researchers from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found a strong link between these searches and reports from doctors of flu outbreaks a week to 10 days later.
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